Nigeria and WIPO Forge Stronger Alliance to Monetize Intellectual Property and Advance Innovation Economy

Nigeria and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) have committed to deepening their partnership to convert the nation’s intellectual property (IP) into tangible financial assets, with a focus on commercializing research outputs and bolstering the creative economy. This commitment was the centerpiece of a high-level meeting held on Monday at the State House in Abuja, attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, WIPO Director-General Mr. Daren Tang, and senior Nigerian government officials.

Vice President Shettima emphasized Nigeria’s ambition to establish an intellectual property system that benefits a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including inventors, investors, researchers, entrepreneurs, artists, industrialists, farmers, and software engineers. He welcomed WIPO’s decision to open its first office in Abuja, marking the organization’s inaugural presence in Sub-Saharan Africa and one of only seven such offices worldwide.

Highlighting recent policy milestones, Shettima recalled that in November 2025, the Federal Executive Council approved Nigeria’s National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy. This framework provides a comprehensive approach to the development, protection, promotion, management, and commercialization of intellectual property within the country.

"There couldn’t have been a better time to take a deeper view of a nation whose creative and innovative energies are already shaping Africa and speaking to the world," Shettima stated. He expressed optimism about enhanced technical cooperation, institutional support, capacity-building, and practical pathways for commercializing Nigerian creativity and research.

The Vice President also noted that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is focused on building an economy where innovation is safeguarded, disputes are resolved confidently, and intellectual assets are effectively converted into wealth. He described the Renewed Hope Agenda as a strategic blueprint aimed at unlocking productivity, expanding economic opportunities, attracting investment, creating jobs, and positioning Nigeria for sustained prosperity.

"At the heart of this agenda is a clear recognition that value in today’s economy is increasingly created through ideas, technology, innovation, data, brands, culture, and knowledge," Shettima remarked. "The countries that will lead this century are those able to create, protect, commercialize, and scale intellectual assets."

Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to innovation diplomacy, Shettima underscored the nation’s dedication to WIPO’s mission of fostering a balanced and international intellectual property system. He directed the Ministers of Justice, Industry, Trade and Investment, and Culture, Art and Creative Economy to develop a roadmap for robust engagement with WIPO, pledging to strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and the organization.

WIPO Director-General Daren Tang, on his first visit to Nigeria, affirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s growth and prosperity. He highlighted two key milestones underpinning his visit: the opening of WIPO’s first office in Abuja and the launch of Nigeria’s National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy by the Tinubu administration.

Tang emphasized that the establishment of the WIPO office in Abuja reflects the international body’s recognition of Nigeria’s importance. He praised Nigerian entrepreneurs, innovators, and creators for shaping the global landscape and serving as role models in the intellectual property revolution across Africa.

This enhanced partnership between Nigeria and WIPO aims to harness intellectual property as a catalyst for economic development, innovation, and creative industry growth, positioning Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s evolving IP ecosystem.